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Mayakoba means “village over water” in Mayan, and the property sits on one of the largest underground rivers in the world. These six miles of freshwater canals are home to three resorts - Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree - with a fourth on its way (Andaz Mayakoba will open in late 2016). Mayakoba is an ecologically diverse paradise of crystal clear lagoons, mangrove forests and virgin white beaches. Fairmont Mayakoba is ideal for couples, girlfriend getaways, guys' trips and family vacations (three hours daily of the Discovery Club are included). Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba Casual Elegance You will find luxurious and relaxing accommodations ideal for romance or families. The Fairmont Mayakoba is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and has just relaunched their inclusive “Premium Appetite for Luxury” package, which includes accommodations, unlimited dining and premium beverage service at their restaurants, gratuities on food and drinks, on-property bird-watching boat tour, complimentary use of bikes, tennis and water sports and more with 30 percent off the introductory rate included. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakboa Powdery White Sand Stunning white soft sandy beaches line the shore in Mayakoba, and there’s plenty of room for walking or running or endless watersports to try. Even paddleboarders are at it in the morning before the afternoon tide sets in. Don’t worry about being bothered or approached by anyone on these beaches (unless it’s a romantic couple who wants you to snap their photo). Photo courtesy of Mayakoba Booming Culinary Scene The food in Mayakoba is superb and—yes—you can drink the water. At Fairmont Maykoba, experience Chef Richard Sandoval’s style and flair fueled by Latin ingredients and international flavors. Brisas , the beachside coastal Latin grill, serves fresh local seafood, fine steaks, pork and chicken, all seasoned with vibrant Latin marinades and spices. The grill is the centerpiece at this restaurant, as the food is cooked on a brick-oven grill. Start with the wood-grilled avocado with pea shoots, chili oil, corn pico de gallo and mixed lettuces; the heirloom tomato & Burrata with hearts of palm, watermelon, avocado, burrata cheese and a balsamic-chipotle vinaigrette; or the grilled oysters a las Brisas, barbecued with roasted butter and charred tomatillo ponzu. You can’t go wrong with any entrée, but the Zarandedo-style pink snapper was a winner, marinated in achiote and citrus and served with avocado, a bittersweet cabbage slaw and homemade flour tortillas. Try El Puerto , the Latin-Asian seafood and steakhouse with an array of gorgeous sushi, salads, small plates, steaks, chicken and vegetarian entrées (also don’t miss the list of 100 tequilas, sake, Latin wines and more). La Laguna , open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, is super causal; the outdoor eating area is surrounded by the emerald waters of the lagoon. Be sure to stop by the daily breakfast buffet at least once for more offerings than you can possibly imagine. For lunch, try the guacamole, shrimp bacon quesadillas or mahimahi fish tacos. At Banyan Tree Mayakoba , head to the recently opened HAAB’, which offers a new Mayan dining experience deep in the jungle, under the stars. Named for the Mayan Zodiac, HAAB’ is an experience you won’t forget. La Ceiba Garden at Rosewood Mayakoba is a 20,000-square-foot alfresco kitchen and garden. Guests can learn Mayan cooking through demonstrations and tastings, as well as unique Mexican herbs and spices and 45 types of organic vegetation. Photo courtesy of Brisas, El Puerto, La Laguna, HAAB', La Ceiba Garden Limitless Adventure Activities are endless, with nature trails for jogging, walking, biking and hiking that wind around the tropical jungle and connect all three resorts. For spectacular scenery and challenges, play El Cameleon Golf Course , a Greg Norman design and home to the annual PGA Tournament OHL Classic at Mayakoba (held each November). Set among mangroves extending to the Caribbean, sand dunes, cenotes and lagoons are tennis and padel courts. If you like or have never tried archery, learn from Mayakoba’s resident archers. For a fun and educational outing, take a boat ride with ecology manager Alanso Ortiz for a lesson in unique birds in the area as well as fishing in the waterways (we saw three crocodiles on our journey). Or experience the Mayakoba Connection, a ferry service connecting all three hotels. Kayaking is not just beachside at Fairmont Mayakoba; take a guided tour by the water canals for a great way to see the crystal-clear waters, fish and even several blue herons if you’re lucky. Photo courtesy of Mayakoba Bliss Out Make sure you check out the Willow Stream Spa in Fairmont Mayakoba. If you’re with your significant other, try the “Food of the Gods” treatment, which salutes chocolate. (What could be better?) Start with a cacao body wrap and scalp massage, then a massage with coconut oil and rose essence. This treatment nourishes the body inside and out and it smells great, too! Head to the rooftop after your treatment to dip into the sea-mineral soaking pool or to relax poolside. Photo courtesy of Fairmont Mayakoba Games Galore for Kids This spring, Mayakoba is launching a new kids program as part of their Camp Mayakoba Yucatan Rangers, “The Mayakoba Games” (a play on Hunger Games ). This all-day experience is for children ages 12 to 17 who will get an archery lesson, play croquet, race on kayaks, take a nature trail tour and more. Kids will also love the slide in the swimming pool at Fairmont Mayakoba, biking around the property and the boat tours, while the parents can enjoy spa time, golf or just relaxing on the beach. Photo courtesy of Mayakoba The Venice of the Caribbean Mayakoba, located in Riviera Maya, offers a combination of lush tropical jungle and beautiful white sandy beaches, where the second-largest coral reef in the world exists. Mayakoba means “village over water” in Mayan, perfectly named as the property sits on one of the largest underground rivers in the world. Six miles of freshwater canals are home to three resorts—Fairmont Mayakoba, Rosewood Mayakoba and Banyan Tree—with a fourth on its way (Andaz Mayakoba will open in late 2016). Nature, beauty and adventure can be found here. Photo courtesy of Mayakoba Shop Until You Drop Recently opened several months ago, Pueblito is a new village and event space located in Mayakoba. The gorgeous white La Santa Cruz chapel is a must visit, and fabulous restaurants, one operated by each hotel. There is also an art studio by Mexico City’s famed Ethra Gallery - its striking atmosphere would make it a great party or wedding setting! If you venture outside Mayakoba, take a short drive to Playa del Carmen and 5 th Avenue, a gorgeous waterfront town filled with boutiques, galleries and trendy restaurants. Photo courtesy of Mayakoba Nature's Sunshine It’s said that a wonderful time to visit Mayakoba is in the spring, especially April and May, with temperatures between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall through spring is also typically warm and dry, so there really is no bad time to visit this beautiful destination (although summers can be warmer with more humidity). 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